We are the LIGHT of the world! God has called us to burn bright for Him, but wait...what if your light has burnt out? What if you feel like the flame is barely a flicker? You feel like life has kicked the dust over you and you no longer shine. Believe me...I have been there. As Christians we are called to be the salt and light of this world. (Matthew 5:13-16) It's so easy for us to feel like we've lost our flavor, we've lost our shine. But what God says about us is infinitely more important than what this silly world says. Have you ever felt rejected, left out, and all alone? Have you felt hopeless and wondered what your purpose was? Have you wondered do I even matter? We'll you DO! You matter to God more than you know. It's hard to feel rejected in this world, but don't forget even Jesus was rejected. Jesus! Can you imagine that? He led a Holy and blameless life yet He was condemned to die. The "religious" leaders of that time were offended by Him. They were offended by the One who came to give them life. He was there to save them, and they missed it with their rules and legalistic beliefs. They were offended by His name, and by His teachings. They were offended by Him. I love this verse, it says- “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you... If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you... because they do not know Him who sent Me." John 15:18-21 The world loves it's own...Wow! So if you feel rejected because of Jesus, I'd say you're in good company! Are you serving the world or are you serving a risen Savior? Who do you care to impress? Don't hide your light, don't water down the flavor of Christ in your life! And remember the ones who reject you now may be the ones you lead to Christ later! Shine bright friend NO matter the cost! YOU are the LIGHT in this world! Love, Tj